There are certain key comic books that will always get attention, regardless of condition, so when one of those notable books is offered in high grade, it presents collectors with a special opportunity. One such chance to own a major key in high grade is now available through Hake’s Auctions.

On Monday, July 3, 2023, Hake’s opened their premier Auction #238, with 1,930 lots of pop culture and Americana collectibles. One lot that has been generating buzz for weeks is the high grade Amazing Spider-Man #1 CGC 9.6.

This important key houses the debuts of J. Jonah Jameson and the Chameleon, and the first Fantastic Four crossover. It also retells Spider-Man’s origin, is his first self-titled book, and is only his second appearance. The Silver Age key comes with a story by Stan Lee and cover and art by Steve Ditko.

This fresh to market CGC 9.6 copy was held in a private collection for the last 25 years and was only recently graded by CGC. It is one of five copies at the grade, with only two copies graded higher at CGC 9.8, according to the CGC Census. Only two CGC 9.6 copies have sold in the last ten years, with the most recent selling for $336,000 in November 2022. It hails from the John B. Goodrich Collection.

If that weren’t enough, Spider-Man’s first appearance is also in the auction with the Amazing Fantasy #15 CGC 7.5. One of the most significant comic character introductions, it also features the debut of Aunt May and Uncle Ben, featuring a story by Lee, cover by Jack Kirby, and art by Ditko. This copy is also from the John B. Goodrich Collection.

Hake’s Auction #238 is loaded with lots from the John B. Goodrich Collection, including Amazing Spider-Man #36 complete story original color guides. The 20-page story with Uncanny Looter’s debut is hand colored with a few color notations and was used as color guides for the published issue. It was written by Lee, with art by Ditko, and the colors are attributed to Stan Goldberg.

Additional highlights from the Goodrich collection are another Amazing Spider-Man #1, graded CGC 6.5, Amazing Spider-Man #2 CGC 7.5 (first Vulture), #3 CGC 8.5 Winnipeg Pedigree (first Doctor Octopus), #4 CGC 8.5 (first Sandman), #5 CGC 8.0 (first Doctor Doom outside of Fantastic Four) #6 CGC 9.2 (first Lizard), #12 CGC 9.4 (third Doctor Octopus), #13 CGC 9.0 (first Mysterio), #14 CGC 9.4 (first Green Goblin), and #50 CGC 9.2 (first Kingpin), Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 CGC 8.5, and Daredevil #1 CGC 7.5 (first Daredevil).

Hake’s Auction #238 is open for bids now through Tuesday and Wednesday, July 25-26 at hakes.com.